In the heart of Aix-en-Provence, the Hôtel de Boniface Leydet stands as a testament to the grandeur of 18th-century French architecture.
Constructed in 1710, this historic mansion has been home to several prominent Aixois aristocratic and parliamentary families. Its façade, characterised by a restrained Ionic order, conceals a wealth of remarkable treasures within. Visitors are often captivated by the intricate decorations, grand staircases, elegant railings, opulent salons, and exquisite gypseries. The interior boasts Louis XV-style furnishings, woodwork, and mirrors, reflecting the opulence of a bygone era.
However, the Hôtel de Boniface Leydet is perhaps most infamous for the heinous crime committed within its walls in 1784. The Marquis d’Entrecasteaux, driven by a desire to marry his mistress, brutally murdered his wife in their bedroom. Feigning grief and claiming it was a suicide, the Marquis’s deception was soon uncovered. He fled to Portugal, where he eventually died in prison.
The severity of his crime led to his condemnation in absentia by the Parliament of Aix, and he was symbolically tortured and executed in effigy.
This dark chapter in the history of the Hôtel de Boniface Leydet adds a layer of intrigue to its already rich heritage. The mansion remains a poignant reminder of the complex interplay between beauty and tragedy, a place where the elegance of French aristocracy is forever shadowed by a tale of passion and betrayal.
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